Dimitris Itoudis Calls for Euroleague Expansion to 30 Teams: Vision for Conferences, Playoffs, and Return of Russian Basketball
**Core Answer**: HLV Dimitris Itoudis công khai ủng hộ kế hoạch mở rộng Euroleague từ 20 lên 30 đội, áp dụng cấu trúc hội nghị và vòng playoff thay thế trận chung kết đơn lẻ, đồng thời mong muốn các đội bóng Nga trở lại giải đấu. **Key Facts**: - Euroleague hiện có 20 đội, Itoudis kỳ vọng mở rộng lên 24 → 26 → 30 đội - FIBA đã chính thức trao "ánh sáng xanh" cho cầu thủ, vận động viên và trọng tài năm 2024 - Itoudis hy vọng được chứng kiến giải đấu phát triển trong ít nhất 10 năm tới - Mở rộng được kỳ vọng mang lại ổn định tài chính cho nhiều đội bóng hơn **Source**: Phát biểu công khai của HLV Dimitris Itoudis tại buổi họp báo Euroleague | Cross-checked: VuaBong.vn **Related Q&A**: - **Q: Tại sao Itoudis muốn có cấu trúc playoff thay vì trận chung kết đơn lẻ?**: Vì playoff tạo ra nhiều trận đấu có ý nghĩa hơn, tăng tính cạnh tranh và kéo dài mùa giải một cách có giá trị thay vì chỉ quyết định ngôi vô địch bằng một trận đấu duy nhất. - **Q: Việc các đội bóng Nga trở lại Euroleague có khả thi không?**: Từ góc độ thể thao, đây là mong muốn chính đáng vì bóng rổ Nga có truyền thống mạnh, nhưng bối cảnh địa chính trị hiện tại khiến điều này phụ thuộc vào nhiều yếu tố ngoài tầm kiểm soát của giải đấu. - **Q: Thách thức lớn nhất của kế hoạch mở rộng là gì?**: Thách thức lớn nhất là sự chênh lệch trình độ khi giải đấu tăng quy mô nhanh — nhiều chuyên gia lo ngại chất lượng trận đấu tổng thể sẽ bị giảm sút nếu mở rộng vội vàng.
Hanoi — In a notable statement at an official Euroleague press conference, head coach Dimitris Itoudis — a two-time champion of the competition — directly voiced support for expanding the league from its current 20 teams to 30, while calling for a conference and playoff structure to replace the current single final game format.
"I believe Euroleague is heading in the right direction — from 20 teams, to 24 then 26, and finally 30," Itoudis shared in an interview recorded earlier this month. "If God permits, I want to witness this league grow for at least another ten years."
This is not the first time the Greek coach has expressed views on European basketball's future, but it is his clearest and strongest statement yet on the specific expansion roadmap.
Background: Euroleague at a Crossroads
Euroleague is currently Europe's top-tier club basketball competition, featuring 20 teams from various countries. Each season, the champion is determined through a playoff round and a single final game — completely different from the conference and group structures prevalent in major sports leagues like the NBA or top European football leagues.
In recent years, the expansion discussion has been raised multiple times. Stakeholders — from clubs and coaches to federations — acknowledge that the current structure has certain limitations, particularly regarding financial aspects and competitiveness in the early season stages.
In 2026, FIBA officially gave the "green light" for players, athletes, and referees, paving the way for team-level participation. This decision is viewed as a crucial stepping stone for upcoming structural changes in Euroleague.
Tactical Analysis: Why Conference and Playoff Structure Matters
Dimitris Itoudis is not speaking idly. With extensive experience leading top European teams, he understands the value of a well-structured competition system.
"Playoffs are the pinnacle of basketball," Itoudis emphasized. "I hope the European basketball season concludes with a playoff round rather than just one final game."
In my observation over many years of following major competitions, conference and playoff structures provide at least three key benefits. First, they create a clearer ranking system, reducing large point differentials in the early season. Second, they meaningfully extend the season — each playoff game carries real stakes. Third, they open opportunities for more teams to participate at the highest level, thereby distributing financial risks.
A notable detail in Itoudis's statement is his emphasis that expansion would bring "financial stability for more teams through increased participation of teams, players, coaches, and referees." This is not just a sports story — it is an economic equation that any league must face.
Contrarian View: Is the 30-Team Dream Really Feasible?
However, not everyone is optimistic about this expansion plan. Some industry experts question feasibility, as the quality of newly joining teams could be diluted — meaning a reduction in overall competitive level when a league expands too quickly.
Looking back at history, many leagues have expanded hastily and paid the price through decreased overall game quality. Euroleague currently maintains high competitiveness with 20 teams — a number sufficient to create diversity without causing excessive skill gaps.
Another risk mentioned is the geopolitical issue. Itoudis clearly stated his desire for Russian teams to return to Euroleague. This is a wish from a purely sporting perspective — Russian basketball has strong traditions — but the current political context makes this far more complicated than a purely sports decision.
Accepting expansion or not remains a debate among stakeholders. Not every club supports increasing the number of teams, as it means dividing resources and opportunities to compete for the championship.
What I Could Be Wrong About
I acknowledge that Itoudis's perspective comes from the viewpoint of a successful coach — someone who directly benefits from a longer competition system with more meaningful games. I also lack sufficient data on the actual reactions of smaller clubs in Euroleague to this plan. This article is based on public statements and tactical analysis — not internal league surveys.
Outlook: What to Watch
In the coming period, three important signals need monitoring. First are official FIBA and Euroleague votes on the expansion plan — this will be the decisive step for the league's future. Second are developments regarding whether Russian teams can return — this depends on many factors beyond purely sporting control. Third are current clubs' financial metrics — if economic pressure continues to increase, the motivation to support expansion will strengthen.
Dimitris Itoudis has made his position clear. Now it's the stakeholders' turn to sit down and negotiate. European basketball stands at a crossroads — and at least now there is a authoritative voice to guide that conversation.
As for Itoudis? "If God permits" — that is how he concluded his answer about the league's future. A 60-year-old man, with two Euroleague championships, still hoping to see his dream become reality. That is something to be appreciated — regardless of the final outcome.
Additional Information: This article is compiled based on public statements by head coach Dimitris Itoudis and publicly available data on Euroleague structure. Team size figures are referenced from official Euroleague and FIBA sources. Views in this article are the author's own and do not represent any organization.